Go Green Week is dedicated to raising awareness and educating people on all things related to climate change and the simple steps we can take to ‘Go Green’.
Derby College is collaborating with Think Ocean and the University of Derby to organise one of the major events being held during Go Green Week – a litter pick in Derby City Centre, which will be followed by an upcycling session.
In the wake of recent floods, the need to tackle the impact of adverse weather and plastic pollution has never been more urgent.
In response DCG, Think Ocean and the University of Derby are working together to jointly organise ‘The Big Derby Clean Up’, a major clean-up effort along the banks of the River Derwent in Derby City Centre.
Volunteers, plus students from Derby College and the University, will come together to help clear the river banks of rubbish and discarded plastic left behind following last year’s devastating floods in the city.
Mollie Cox, Environmental and Sustainability Officer for DCG, commented: “Raising awareness of environmental issues is crucially important and we are delighted that Derby College Group is playing such a key role in Go Green Week.
“This is a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about how they can play their part in helping the environment. Throughout the week we aim to educate, debate and discuss a huge range of green issues.
“We are particularly proud to be a partner in organising The Big Derby Clean Up, and for our students to be playing such an active part in improving their local environment.
“I am hoping that all the activities and educational sessions we have planned during the week will have a significant impact and raise awareness of the importance for us all to ‘go green’.”
And Mollie concludes: “This week is focussing on helping reduce pollution and improving the environment, and this is just part of the College’s ongoing drive to safeguard our planet for future generations.”
Throughout Go Green Week Derby College Group will be holding sustainability fairs for its students, with many external speakers from businesses including Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Energy Sparks, Derby City Council, Circulayo, Transition Belper and Derby County Community Trust.
The DCG Students Union will also be offering tips on how to be an eco-friendly society. In addition there will be Green Careers Talk for the students, where they will get the chance to learn about all the vast range of employment opportunities in the Green Sector.
Anyone wanting to get involved in helping at The Big Derby Clean Up can sign up and will receive a free t-shirt and free drink.
DCG runs many courses that are linked to sustainability and the environment, including a Diploma in Land and Wildlife Management.
This involves providing hands-on estate skills, including the operation of land-based machinery, while learning how to conduct ecological surveys, identify wildlife species, monitor pollution and undertake countryside crafts like dry stone walling and hedge laying.
We also support Countryside Worker apprenticeships and run part-time Conservation & Countryside courses for anyone interested in themes like ecology, woodland management and butterflies.
The College also runs an Introduction to Upcycling/Crafting course which is free. Here you will be shown how to make beautiful items from scrap materials, and you can also explore your creative side with upcycling crafts and learn about the importance of upcycling.
